Chargers' Volleyball 'Snake Bit'? Lose in Three Sets to Audubon

The definition of "snake bit" refers to someone who is characterized by bad luck or has been characterized by a series of misfortunes. Given that as a definition, one might ask if the ACGC volleyball team has been "snake bit" after the team suffered its fourth consecutive loss last night to open the 2021 season.

This match was the first home event for the Chargers and everyone was hopeful that the team could break out of its early season funk. With a loud and boisterous student section decked out in tropical attire, and with Chloe Largent back in the lineup, players and fans alike were hopeful of a victory over visiting Audubon.

But when this observer walked into the gym and saw that another key Charger player--Saige O'Brien--was on crutches, the seeds of doubt were planted. O'Brien had injured a knee and was wearing a brace. A youthful Charger team needs all hands on deck to be competitive.

Last night the Chargers were not as competitive as one would have hoped, as they dropped a 3-0 match to the Wheelers by set scores of 25-17, 25-18, and 25-21.

The first set showed some promise for the home team as it took an early 4-1 lead with Jenna Rowley serving for ACGC. But that lead was short lived as Audubon scored seven consecutive points to lead by an 8-5 margin. With the visitors up by 12-7 midway through the set, they outscored the hosts 10-5 to make the score 22-12 and all but clinch the first set win.

The Wheelers never trailed in set number two despite kills by Largent, Mercedes Richter, and Alaina Bunde for the Chargers.

ACGC was more competitive in the final set, as it held the lead throughout much of the set. The Chargers' Jenna Rowley opened the set for ACGC behind the service line and the team built an early 6-0 lead that included a kill by Largent.

Midway through the set the lead had increased to seven at 15-8. But the Wheelers came roaring back and knotted the score at 17-17. Heading into the final stages of the set, the score was tied at 21-21 when Audubon scored the final four points to reach the magic number of 25. On three occasions Charger serves sailed out of bounds in the final set. Crucial potential points that got away.

Largent led ACGC with15 kills out of 31 attempts, while Richter led the team in serving with a perfect 12 of 12 for the match that included 3 ace serves. Richter also led the team with 14 digs. Jenna Rowley was successful in 15 of her 16 serve attempts.

Needless to say it was a disappointing loss for the home team. Inexperience, injury, and that darn snake!

Set scores:

Audubon 25 25 25

ACGC 17 18 21

Charger statistics: (Ass'ts; Kills-Attempts; Blocks: Solo/Assts; Digs; Serving: Successful- Attempts/Aces) Gettler: (22 assists; 0 kills-4 attempts; 0 blocks/0 assists; 0 digs; 6 successful serves-9 attempts /2 aces J.Lemke: (0;0-0; 0/0; 5; 0-0/0;) Coffman: (0; 0-0; 0-0; 1; 0-0/0) Bunde: (0;5-14;1/1; 0; 5; 3-3/0) Largent: (0; 15-31; 0/0; 11; 9-11/2) MLemke: (0;1-9; 0/0; 0; 4-6/2) Richter: (0; 1-7; 1/0; 14; 12-12/1) Rowley: (0; 1-8; 0/0; 0; 15-16/2) Byers: (0; 0-1; 0/0; 4; 0-0/2)